# Microbial biomining from asteroidal material onboard the international space station

## TL;DR

This study explores using microbes to extract valuable elements from asteroid material in space, showing that microgravity affects how well this process works.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the feasibility of microbial biomining in microgravity and identifies specific microbial metabolic changes under these conditions.

## Key findings

- Penicillium simplicissimum enhanced the release of palladium and platinum in microgravity compared to non-biological leaching.
- Non-biological leaching was more effective in microgravity for many elements than on Earth.
- Microgravity altered microbial metabolism, increasing carboxylic acid production and other potentially useful molecules.

## Abstract

Expanding human space exploration necessitates technologies for sustainable local resource acquisition, to overcome unviable resupply missions. Asteroids, some of which rich in metals like platinum group elements, are promising targets. The BioAsteroid experiment aboard the International Space Station tested the use of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) to extract 44 elements from L-chondrite asteroidal material under microgravity. Penicillium simplicissimum enhanced the release of palladium, platinum and other elements in microgravity, compared to non-biological leaching. For many elements, non-biological leaching was more effective in microgravity than on Earth, while bioleaching remained stable. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct changes in microbial metabolism in space, particularly for P. simplicissimum, with increased production of carboxylic acids, and molecules of potential biomining or pharmaceutical interest in microgravity. These results demonstrate the impact of microgravity on bioleaching, highlighting the need for optimal combination of microorganisms, rock substrate, and conditions for successful biomining, in space and Earth.